Vortex Viper (PST?) 1-4x - First magnified optic?

I found a refurb at Cabela’s for $267, which is after a 20% discount and is as low as they will go.

Checking reviews, it seems this scope was the mid-range scope to have just a couple years ago. The reviews I’ve been reading have some grabbing the PST 1-4x over the Strike Eagle 1-6x, which I’ve also been considering.

If I can mine the wisdom here, what do you think? $300 is the just about max I am budgeting for a first LPVO, besides the mount. I don’t shoot enough right now to justify picking up a Razor, though I think that would be a consideration if I found I liked the LPVO thing.

Use: Extending my experience beyond irons and red dots without wasting money on junk. 12.5” and 16” barrels. Generally 0-200 meters.

They are tanks, not the greatest glass in the world but pretty good for the money, if $300 is your budget I doubt you'll do much better.

In the same boat as you. I want to check out the magnified optics deal. Max I can shoot is 300 yards. I almost bought the PST 1-4 about 6 weeks ago when Cabelas was clearance but them for or something silly cheap. Out of stock by the time I got home.

I back ordered a P4xi last week for a very reasonable price. It’s had great reviews so that’s what I’m going to try out. I think you made a good choice for an f around figure things out optic.

I don't have any time behind the Strike Eagle but based off of reviews, I think the 1-4 Viper is a better starting point. I began there but then quickly transitioned to the P4Xi. If you can swing the extra money for the Steiner, I think its the best option in the sub-$500 range. But, at that price, the Viper would be a great deal.

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Originally Posted by Wake27

I don't have any time behind the Strike Eagle but based off of reviews, I think the 1-4 Viper is a better starting point. I began there but then quickly transitioned to the P4Xi. If you can swing the extra money for the Steiner, I think its the best option in the sub-$500 range. But, at that price, the Viper would be a great deal.

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Yep, 100% every word.

Old, trusty PST 1-4x is very good glass for it's price class. Much better glass than Strike Eagle 1-6x has, so if no real need of 6x magnification it will be better choice. Glass etched reticle allows for good precision if needed, while still good for fast shooting on 1x. Personally I would prefer it in HS flavour due to capped turrets (I prefer them on LPVO), but still PST is a great scope, even if a bit dated in world of 1-6/8/10x

Dang. Got back to Cabela’s today (60 miles away) and this was gone, despite being under the counter since December. Thanks for the input everyone. I’ll keep looking.

I wasn't a fan of the PST gen1, the gen2 is a Razor for 60% the price with likely less durable

I'd save the $$$ for a gen2 as everything about it is better except size/weight.

4x really isn't very useful, that last 2x to 6x gets you to see better at 200/300.

when the targets are smaller than a torso... it makes a difference

also sucks to not be able to spot your misses

Steiner may be better, but I've never used a lv version, only the higher mag scopes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by voiceofreason

I wasn't a fan of the PST gen1, the gen2 is a Razor for 60% the price with likely less durable

I'd save the $$$ for a gen2 as everything about it is better except size/weight.

4x really isn't very useful, that last 2x to 6x gets you to see better at 200/300.

when the targets are smaller than a torso... it makes a difference

also sucks to not be able to spot your misses

Steiner may be better, but I've never used a lv version, only the higher mag scopes

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I have always been kind of underwhelmed by 4x. For some reason it always felt like it should have more zoom than it does, and that’s just at 100m.


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Actually found this at another Cabela’s for $296. With a couple gift cards I got 20% off, I’m happy with the price. At least gets me some experience with something better than a Bushnell AR 1-4x.